Colonoscopy
enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine)
for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube as thick as your
finger into your anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and
colon.

What
Preparations are Required?

Your doctor
will tell you what dietary restrictions to follow and what cleansing
routine to use. In general, the preparation consists of either consuming
a large volume of a special cleansing solution or clear liquids
and special oral laxatives. The colon must be completely clean for
the procedure to be accurate and complete, so be sure to follow
your doctor's instructions carefully.

What
Happens During Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy
is well-tolerated and rarely causes much pain. You might feel pressure,
bloating or cramping during the procedure. Your doctor might give
you a sedative to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort.

You will
lie on your side or back while your doctor slowly advances a colonoscope
through your large intestine to examine the lining. Your doctor
will examine the lining again as he or she slowly withdraws the
colonoscope. The procedure itself usually takes 15-60 minutes, although
you should plan on two to three hours for waiting, preparation and
recovery.

What
Happens After a Colonoscopy?

Your physician
will explain the results of the examination to you, although you'll
probably have to wait for the results of any biopsies performed.
If you were given sedatives during this procedure, someone must
drive you home and stay with you. Even if you feel alert after the
procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the
rest of the day. You might have some cramping or bloating because
of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This
should disappear quickly when you pass gas.

You should
be able to eat after the examination, but your doctor may restrict
your diet and activities, especially after polypectomy.

Call
the GI nurse at 545-8000 if you have any questions about your upcoming
procedure.